Breaking down the comics: Starting the Collection (Issue 3)
Moon Knight, Issue #3: Midnight Means Murder.
Written by Doug Moench and drawn by Bill Sienkiewicz
YES. BACK IN IT WITH BILL AND DOUG!
I don’t know WHY I didn’t do this one in my first plans? Why the hell did I skip Midnight man? I covered his return, but his initial issue? I can’t explain past me to you.
So here we are, back at the beginning. Issue number three! And we see Moon Knight’s FIRST big deal. It’s his first big villain (I don’t count Bushman. I’ll explain that later) that also reoccurs.
The title page?
We open on a splash of the Daily Bugel.
And boy howdy is thi creative or what? And what makes me even happier? You can actually read the paper! You'll have to pardon me as I take you through it. I love when writers actually take the time to put something worth while in little newspaper clippings like this.
Saturday, May 3 1980. A nice picture of Moon Knight beating up two bank robbers and a mystery picture of someone robbing a museum.
"They even list Doub Moench as the "Staff Writer" and give photographer credit to Bill Sienkiewicz.
"ANOTHER LUNA NIGHT. "
"The third national bank was robbed last night, but only up to a point.
That point was roughly three steps beyond the entrance of the defiled bank, located at the southwest corner of Madison Avenue and 89th Street, where the two armed desperadoes were abruptly assailed by a silver and black hurricane named Moon Knight.
As far as the costumed vigilante is concerned, the hurricane analogy is more than apt. According to the sole eyewitness, the admittedly groggy night watchman (who had been struck on the head by ne of the would-be thieves), "The guy just seemed to come out of the sky like some kind of silver ghost, and then the two robbers were on the pavement. I never seen nothing like it before."
As for the battered thugs (whose names are being withheld pending further investigation), one supposes they never knew what hit them. Long before the police arrived the Moon Knight had vanished, leaving behind only his silver crescent-dart 'calling card'--with the foiled thieves and recovered loot in the care of the night watchman. When this writer last checked the blotter, the two new prisoners were still peacefully dreaming of sweet green and all it can buy. A rude awakening of striped shadows and iron bars awaits them.
And speaking of shadows, Manhattanites have never been more spooked by them, despite the relentless presence of the Moon Knight, if not the police. This was the 23rd night of New York's latest uninterrupted crime wave. And although Moon Knight has figured prominently (and spectacularly) in 19 of the past 23 nights, the jet nad silver whirlwind has yet to tangle with the most celebrated miscreant currently about town--he who has been dubbed "the Midnight Man," a thief with taste and the fall to appease it nightly in all the better parts of an outraged town. Even a hurricane, it seems, cannot strike everywhere. Even so, nor can one turn back the tide of the inevitable. Like the moon and midnight, these two mysterious men go together. And sooner or later, one suspects walking through the plastered shadows of this nighted city, their paths are destined to cross, and clash. It is only a matter of time, measured by the darkness between midnights."
He certainly does play up Moon Knight a lot, doesn't he? Doug is just so super proud of his boy.
And it also reminds me that Moon Knight's outfit was originally silver, not white. It was supposed to give him a leg-up against the werewolf, Jack Russel.
The other article "Midnight Man Strikes Again" talks about 'the connoisseur art thief' that has burgled a rare Monet oil painting. He has also been taunting the police by mail. The latest note being a taunt to anyone that dares try to stop him, "including that gaudy buffoon Moon Knight," Especially "now that I've amply demonstrated that the police are no match for my cunning or finesse."
ANYWAYS. I thought it was a good title page.
We open on Moon Knight stopping a Saturday night mugging.
I also love how Moon Knight insults people. “Turkey”.
We continue on, Midnights of missing art.
We also see Moon Knight stopping various other crimes.
"Tuesday morning at Grant Mansion--where one man lives under many names... Steven Grant, Marc Spector, Jake Lockley, and Moon Knight, among others."
We find Steven working out with Marlene.
"Morning, Delilah."
"Nedda will have breakfast ready in twenty minutes."
"Okay, Marlene--Just let me hit the bag a few minutes and then I'll take my steam bath."
"As you wish, Steven... But in case you haven't noticed, I'm waiting with bated breath. Who are you today?"
"Huh?"
"What clothes do you want?"
"Oh--Give me Lockley's."
"Why Lockley?"
"Thought I'd sniff out a little scandal, and Lockley's got the best nose--or at least the best connections."
Ahh... Issue 3. Absolute denial country.
Look at this man. He goes from prim proper Steven Grant to complete Jake Lockley in the comfort of his own home. It's...It's beautiful.
"And so, at breakfast..."
LOOK AT THIS MAN. (He doesn’t get his trademark mustache till a later issue).
Jake, where are you manners? How are you sitting like that?
I also adore how Jake always addresses Marlene as “Lady”. Like he refuses to acknowledge that they are an item. She’s just a lady that he has to live with because Marc and Steven have an eye for her.
And look at poor Nedda in the background.
Anyways, Marlene calls Jake on wanting to go after the Midnight man.
"You can't bluff me, Mister--You're going after this 'Midnight Man'."
"He's goading me Marlene, playing Jack the Ripper with these taunting letters in the paper."
"But he's NOT the ripper--He's just a common, if clever thief."
"So who ever claimed thieves were beneath me, Lady?"
"That's not what I mean. I just worry sometimes. You're too eager to accept challenges.
Besides, have you forgotten the charity bash you're hosting tonight? There's plenty to do around here as Steven Grant."
"I'll be back in time. How long does it take to shuck Lockley's rags and shrug into Grant's tux?
And don't worry about me so much---You're forgetting who I am."
Oh? And WHO are you, Jake buddy? (I prod because at this point Jake has not figured out who he is. Early Moon Knight was in so much denial).
"It's easy to do, dear Steven--Excuse me, dear JAKE. You've got so many different names, identities, and moods, even YOU forget who you are half the time."
DING DING. See. Marlene gets it. She hates it and pretends she doesn't... But she does get it. I get frustrated with Marlene with the amount rejection Marlene has over the whole system. She has her mind set on the whole "He's a mess but I can fix him" thing. ANd in her mind, fixing him is making Steven the only person in that head and settling down with her.
What does Jake have to say about that?
"Makes life interesting, Lady--Too boring being just one character. Maybe I should've been an actor. After all, all life's a stage."
Jake my buddy my pal my good friend Jake…
1980s everyone…
Outside the mansion we find Samules, the butler. He's got Jake's cab ready for him.
"Really, sir, don't you think this...ah, vehicle could use a washing once in a--"
"Part of my disguise, Samules, the dirt is--Gotta look like a real New York cabbie in a real new york cab."
"Very well, sir--But I do wish you'd make up your mind one of these days. Polish the mercedes and peel the cab's paint--Press the suit and rumble the jeans--Oh dear."
Poor Samules.
Jake tells him to go alert Frenchie to give the chopper a once-over.
Samules heads up to the roof to meet with Frenchie.
He finds the chopper alone with no Frenchie in sight.
I miss Samules.
I love that he makes the helicopter go "vroom vroom".
And I love that Frenchie thinks this is cute and calls him the "Daring air-ace".
He offers Samuels a 'little...ride'
"Certainly not! It... It's undignified for a man of my...My--"
"Oui, Samuels. I understand. But we can all dream, no?"
....And in re-reading this I am faced with the fact that this could 100% have all been euphemisms and Frenchie legit hitting on Samuels. I doubt very much Moench wrote it that way on purpose... But then again... He was very sneaky and found ways to get away with things that were 'forbidden' to put in comics at this time...
(Marvel Editor and Chief at the time, Shooter, was notoriously homophobic and banned the portrayal of gay characters in the comics. Doug and many other writers had a HUGE problem with this.)
We find outselves next at Gena's! Jake's got a box as he heads on in.
"After cruisin' all day with no luck, guess it's time to try old reliable..."
"Hey, Gena--How's the kids?"
He always asks her about the kids. Always.
Jake turns to Crawley and hands him the box.
If you’ll excuse me… I’m going to go sob and hug 1980s Moench Jake Lockley. I’ve missed him so much.
He knows his people and he loves his people.
Crawley dishes it out to Jake.
He hasn't heard anything but there are some guys over at the pool hall across the way that might know more.
Crawley escorts Jake over and they get the cold shoulder from the gys. They claim they haven't heard anything and get a little menacing about it.
Jake tells them that "if anyone has a memory attack, I'll be out in the alley in fifteen minutes."
He slips out, leaving Crawley to talk to the guys alone.
They ask Crawley if Jake's a cop.
"Certainly NOT. I keep company in a higher social stratum than THAT."
He tells them Jake pays very well for good info and it would do them good to get in with that standing.
The guys head outside with intent to rob Jake.
Unfortunately for them, someone else is waiting.
Moon Knight says don’t rob Jake. That’s rude.
Moon Knight asks nicely where the Midnight man fences his loot.
The remaining conscious man tells him that Midnight Man DOESN'T fence it. He keeps it!
"B-But the word is... He... He's gonna take you on tonight..."
He thanks the man for the info.
I must say... No one really appreciates that Moon Knight really does have a witty sense of humor. He amuses himself and he's just a goof.
Jake rushes back to Steven’s party.
"You're late, Steven--Or is it still Jake?" Marlene greets them back at the mansion.
"Nope---Jake Lockley has just retired for the evening, my dear Marlene. As of right now, I'm Steven Grant, prominent multi-millionaire and suave host of charity fund-raisers."
"Then hurry and get dressed, Schizo."
Yeah.... That's Marlene. I've said it before, but at this point in age, D.I.D was not widely known about and didn't really have a diagnosis or name. MPD (multiple Personality DIsorder) was also not really clarified at that time and everything was still classified under the all encompassing branch of "Schizophrenia". ...However, Schizo had become an insult used to describe anyone with any unpleasant or abnormal behavior.
Marlene continues to chastise him telling him that the guests will be arriving and "Chances are they'd appreciate a brief appearance by the host."
Narration: "Steven Grant suppresses a Lockley grin... Gaining full control of his new Persona some thirty minutes later..."
I love this. Jake's got a sense of humor and is playful and mischievous. The idea of upsetting Marlene and missing the shindig all together appeals to Jake. He hates these fancy parties. And it takes 30 minutes for Steven to do a full switch out. This is actually a fantastic approach to DID and is probably the most accurate portrayal in Moon Knight you're going to get.
At the party, Marlene introduces Steven to the people.
"And now if I may have your attention, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to present the host of the benefit, and the best boss I've ever had--indeed, the best of many bosses I've got right NOW--Steven Grant."
Clever Marlene.
Steven certainly didn't miss that little jab.
"Flirty with danger, aren't you, darling?"
Steven gives a very very short speech then starts to mingle.
He meets up with one Anton Mogart (that name should ring a bell or two).
He offers Steven his card. He's an art collector. He asks to speak to Steven privately.
Steven has a few paintings but admits to be just a dabbler of art. "One must do something with one's money and walls, and somehow---George Washington wallpaper is just a trifle gauche."
LOL Steven...
Mogart admits he's a bit worried, and this is why he wanted to speak to Steven.
"I understand an acquaintance of yours happens to be a soldier-of-fortune named Marc Spector, who contracts for certain...ah, dangerous undertakings."
"You've done your homework, Mogart. What sort of contract do you have in mind?"
"Protecting some paintings from imminent theft--by the Midnight Man. The fee would be, let us say, $100,000. These canvases, you see, are valuable."
Mogart claims to have gotten a direct letter from the Midnight Man saying that he was coming for his paintings tonight.
Steven agrees, saying "Spector owes me a favor. I'll subcontract the job in his behalf--"
Steven even tells him that he doesn't want cash, but would like a new piece of art for his wall where there is an empty space. (this will come back later)
Steven heads back to the Gala and tells Marlene that he needs to go. She protests but he tells her "I just got invited to a better party. Fill in for me."
Frenchie….What are you reading. What is this ‘action’ you are talking about?
They head to Anton Mogart's home in Jersey. Frenchie asks if it's a trap.
Moon Knight notes it might be worse than a trap.
Once they reach the house, he jumps from the copter and sneaks into the house through the window (for once he doesn't crash through it and I am sad to not have to add a tally to my chart).
And we are treated to one of my favorite renditions of Moon Knight ever.
The lights come on and Midnight Man is there waiting for him.
While Midnight Man had no fear of the police, he did worry that Moon Knight would stop him sooner or later, so he decided to force his hand and make it sooner.
Pulling out a gun, he intends to kill Moon Knight so he can carry on with his robberies.
Moon Knight flings his truncheon at the light, plunging them into darkness.
He hides in the shadows (not easy to do when you have an outfit made out of SILVER) and then wails on Midnight Man a little.
Which... To be fair to Midnight Man, heis a thief and NOT a fighter.
Then again…
LOL Moon Knight really?
They get off the elevator and Mogart pulls a dagger.
They crash out the window (this does not count for dramatic window crash because they are leaving and Moon Knight didn't make this choice.)
He slips on glass and ends up on the ground as usual. He spends a lot of time on the ground.
Mogart takes advantage and prepares to stab him when…
Marlene shows up randomly to straight up murder a dude.
Moon Knight tries to save him but Mogart plunges to the water below.
“That really wasn’t necessary, Marlene–I would have stopped him. Besides, I rather liked the man… He was….Refreshingly psychotic.”
This is what I love about Moon Knight and is something that continues throughout the Moench run and even pops up in later runs then comes back in MacKay’s run.
Moon Knight genuinely grows attached to his villains. He cares about them and enjoys them. We see this again in Stained Glass Scarlet. In other runs, he tends to pick small time villains and just harass the hell out of them (See Eightball in MacKay’s run). They aren’t big time hitters. They barely muster enough gusto to be considered villains. Yet he comes after them as if they were big time villains. He even enjoys it. And you know what? I think it actually helps them. He knows their real names. He knows their trademarks. He recognises them right off the bat. They know Moon Knight’s watching them. They consider robbing a bank but see Moon Knight’s shadow and go “Nawh.” and go home.
You know what else? He treats them with respect. Where as say, Wolverine, wouldn’t bat an eye and waste time on such small petty crooks. But Moon Knight does because he CARES. He cares about the people he’s helping, about doing a good job…
And about the villain. And like with Eightball, sometimes we see that Villain come around and change their lives and do good. Bringing good back into the world.
So why did he like Mogart? Mogart was honest. He did what he did because he was greedy and wanted to possess things. He wanted to possess beautiful things. He didn’t hurt anyone, though his risks were getting bigger and bigger and were starting to lead to someone getting hurt. He also had a huge ego and did it all for the thrill.
Marlene urges them to leave before the cops arrive but Moon Knight takes his time.
Epilogue:
We see Marlene and Steven going to the art museum. Suddenly, Marlene recognizes some of the pieces.
The three pictures from before. It’s sort of funny that any time Steven does make large donations that aren’t about just money, he always puts Marc’s name there. The money? That’s Steven. Steven made the money and Steven will organize charities and events. But Marc? Marc’s going to be the one to add to art museums, open soup kitchens, or donate park benches. Is it Marc trying to make up for the things he’s done? Or is it Steven trying to remind Marc that there are good things that can be done in the world that aren’t always about breaking a nose?
They head back to Grant Mansion.
Marlene is still confused as to why he gave away the pictures.
"I learned a lesson from Mogart--Collecting does bad things to the blood. Besides, there's still too much of vagabond Spector in my blood, too little of Collector Grant."
Marlene asks what he'll do with the blank spot on the wall.
Steven notes that the police dragged the river and never found a body. No body no death. It’s nice that the comics acknowledge that now and then.
He's hung up Mogart's opera cape.
"He'll be back for it someday--He's too much the collector to let it remain at large."
Marlene tells him that she thinks he's right.
"You see, my gun has always fired a trifle wide. And with you and Mogart struggling so close together, I couldn't trust it with anything but... Rubber bullets."
And Mogart DOES return in a later issue and take his cape back.
But for now, we end the issue!
And you know what? This was a refreshing issue. It’s the start of Moon Knight’s love of his house of villains. We see an early introduction to Marc, Jake, and Steven starting to dance around one another, we see Marlene not only do her thing of rescuing Moon Knight, but of being the one to struggle to keep their life together. It’s amazing to look back at the start after running through backwards (why do I always do things backwards? Why does it always work?).
I miss the old classic villains. They've made a point to kill them off over the years. They were dubbed to be too boring or over used or silly. But they had a certain nostalgia to them. Something he knew what to expect and I think they brought comfort to Moon Knight.
"Refreshingly Psychotic." He liked his neurotic villains. Weird and unique and somehow also sad and alone. Perhaps he saw a bit of himself in them. A path that he knows he could have taken. Can you imagine if Marc Spector had become a villain?
